Child sex abuse led to girl's murder

Someone just said to me that Amber Creek was the victim of bad parenting. It was painful to hear that said. While her parents faced many problems, she was led to her death through a path of about 10 years by a dragon of childhood sexual assault. Her parents had nothing to do with that assault.

No parent can be with a 5- or 6-year-old child 24/7, and sexual assault is a frightening reality that can happen to anyone's child. The psychological damage is devastating and usually lasts a lifetime. The child feels that it is her (or his) own fault somehow. The extreme feelings of humiliation and rage become self-directed.

The pattern of promiscuous, dangerous, self-destructive acts that have been reported in Amber Creek's case is a common effect of childhood sexual assault. The emotions behind the behavior are far beyond what the average parent can deal with.

Yes, the man who actually murdered her has immediate responsibility. But it was the unknown man who assaulted her 10 years before her murder who is responsible for creating the dragon that led her to her death. That man also killed Amber Creek.

There really was nothing her parents, family or friends could have done to stop the monster. Only very intensive professional help could do that which her parents could not find or afford.

May Amber Creek rest in peace within the compassion of God. Unfortunately, Amber Creek was only one of many girls and women with the same monster. We all need to try much harder to understand the harmed and troubled people all around us. It provides understanding of the troubles within all of us. Perhaps more women might find the courage to speak out.

Rich Lorimer

Streamwood